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We touched on this last week, but fall is just around the corner. I know.. I’m sorry to keep rubbing it in, but it just can’t be ignored. However, as we also mentioned last post, fall is a great excuse to try a fresh look and get rid of tired looking summer hair. It’s time to consider going darker!

As a blonde myself, I sometimes feel like I don’t give enough love to gorgeous, dark tresses. But with fall’s fashion trends including a throwback to the ’70s, with rich colours and textures like fur, darker hair couldn’t match more perfectly!

If you’ve decided to go darker, you need to figure out which dark shade suits your skin tone best. Just like there are endless shades of blonde, choosing a dark colour isn’t as simple as just black or brown. You also have to consider your make-up routine – the same make-up looks different on blondes than on brunettes and depending on your colouring, you might need to wear more to prevent looking washed out. And don’t forget your eyebrows!

But it’s not all a hassle! Colouring your hair dark requires a lot less maintenance than light hair, especially since beach season is over and you don’t have to worry about the sun fading your colour. It’s also less damaging, so say hello to amazing shine! The favourite thing about dark hair according to the Haartek ladies, though, is that it’s more exotic and mysterious than lighter hair. And nothing makes your eyes pop quite like a rich, dark hair colour.

The most important thing to consider before you go dark, however, is how dedicated you will be to the new style. You need to remember that it’s much harder to switch to a lighter shade from a dark colour, so transitioning back might take a longer time. But that’s if you want to go back. Because as Carla, an Associate Stylist and lover of dark hair, says, “Once you go black, you never go back.”

Here are some of our favourite raven-haired ladies that make blondes drool with envy at their shiny, exotic manes:

Do you drool over Kim Kardashian’s luscious locks? Envy Gisele, not for her model bod, but because her hair is heavenly? Do you suffer from feelings of inadequacy because you were born with fine hair and wonder how celebrities and models were blessed with hair that just doesn’t quit?

Pssst… I have a secret to tell you. Most of the time, it’s not all theirs.

A lot of celebrities opt for hair extensions to amp up their look. Self-proclaimed to be the “Rolls Royce” of hair extensions, Great Lengths boasts not only the most advanced and gentle method of application, but the best quality hair available. Although more expensive, Great Lengths uses Indian Temple Remi hair, which is in virgin condition and donated to the temple. The difference between the temple hair and cheaper extensions is that the hair is cut and gathered in a braid, ensuring all hair cuticles are facing the same direction which prevents tangling with your own hair.

Great Lengths are available in three strand sizes (standard, fine and extra-fine), five lengths (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 cm.) and 35 hand-blended shades and 14 “fashion” shades. And unlike other brands, they don’t bleach the hair in the de-pigmentation process which damages the hair structure, and adds pigmentation in a way that ensures colour won’t fade out. Learn more here

But using high-quality extensions doesn’t matter unless the method of application is reliable and natural looking. Great Lengths uses a patented procedure that bonds the extensions to your own hair using a polymer compound with a molecular structure similar to that of human hair. It moves and behaves like your own hair, ensuring a strong hold without damaging it. Unlike cheaper alternatives, these polymer chains are more resistant to heat and water – though our stylists do warn that if you expose the bonds to chemicals like chlorine while swimming or go to tanning beds frequently, wear does occur and non-reusable extensions aren’t for you. However, over the course of five years trying out different, more affordable brands, they found Great Lengths has the best application method, the best quality hair and stays in the longest. “There’s a reason they’re number one,” said Sandra, one of two stylists at Haartek certified with Great Lengths.

Because Great Lengths has this patented technology, their extensions are only available through Great Lengths Certified Extension Artists. So you don’t have to worry about inferior or incorrect application. Learn more here “We learned the different variations of extensions, how to blend them and also how to use them for thickening as well as length,” said Sandra. “It really shows you if you have what it takes to do extensions,” added Patrizia, our other certified stylist. “You have to have a lot of patience, focus… and flair!”

Taking care of them is the key to making them last. It’s vital that you use the special loop brush included with the extensions: “If you do not brush properly, you will get dreadlocks,” said Patrizia. “And you need to brush from the scalp down to avoid knotting.” You also have to remember that even though extensions are made from real hair, they are still an attachment, so be gentle with them. “They’ll last for three to four months if you care for them properly,” said Sandra.

If you’re interested in getting extensions, book a consultation and discuss potential length, colour, upkeep and price. If you’re just interested in thickening, it can be from $400 to $600 and if you’re after thickening and length it’s $900 and up. “They’re definitely an investment,” said Patrizia. Keep in mind, though, they aren’t reusable.

Though it’s no secret that high quality extensions aren’t cheap, the benefits of spending the extra cash are definitely worth it if you truly want long, natural looking, shiny hair that lasts and is easy to maintain. Afterall, so few of us have full-time stylists at our beck-and-call for day-to-day gorgeousness… *sigh*